The party was all up except for one person: Bitch-sama, who was still in the so-called "tavern" that was more like a prison than anything else. So, no one was actually missing.
Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Rishia were finishing breakfast and discussing their plans for the rest of the day.
"Guess you guys don't need a reason for what I'm going to say, but we're going to leave Malty behind," Naofumi said, breaking the comfortable silence.
"W-won't the king get m-mad?" Rishia stammered, her eyes wide with concern.
"Most likely, but tell me, do you really need her? I can protect everyone here, and even if I can't cast a spell, my abnormal defense is enough to take the hits. Raphtalia is the sword; she can take anyone out if given the proper time and plan, and we have you, who can cast powerful spells and support spells from the back. Although, you two need more actual training, not just leveling up," Naofumi explained.
"W-well... Y-you're right. When do we leave?" Rishia asked, her voice gaining a bit more confidence.
"If it were up to me, I would go now. What do you say, Master Naofumi?" Raphtalia said, her excitement evident as she wagged her tail.
"We'll go once you finish your meal, so hurry up," Naofumi said while looking at some information on his shield's interface.
"Fine, fine, Master Naofumi," Raphtalia replied, quickly finishing her breakfast.
"One more thing for both of you: no more 'Master' or 'Boss' or 'Sir' or whatever. I'm Naofumi, your equal. Got it?" he said, making a serious face and pointing a finger gun at Rishia, who nodded in response. Then he pointed at Raphtalia, who also nodded happily while her tail wagged even faster.
For someone who looks so mature, you are really a child, Naofumi thought, feeling a pang of guilt. I'm really sorry that I have to make you face that thing again... But it's for the better... And that hound can't really be left alive.
"So, where are we going after breakfast?" asked a surprisingly calm Rishia.
"You're going to be left at a friend's store to train some spells. Raphtalia and I are going to get some supplies and complete a small quest," Naofumi explained.
"Shouldn't we be together? Ma... I mean, Naofumi?" Raphtalia asked, correcting herself.
"Yes, but Rishia needs special training, and you're going on a special mission. Since I'm not two people, and you're on the most dangerous task today, I'm going with you," Naofumi said, looking at Raphtalia.
"Oh, okay. Let's go then," Raphtalia said, eager to get started.
Everyone nodded and got up, heading to the street. Naofumi showed Rishia where she would be staying for her spell training. Naofumi and Raphtalia then went through some alleys, finally stopping by a merchant's tent. To Raphtalia, it was strange to go there, but she didn't question why or what they were doing.
"Well, well, who do we have here? The Shield Hero and his new pet. She has grown quite a bit since last time," the merchant said with a sly grin.
"Yeah, yeah, cut the chatter. I just want a specific filolial egg. Here's the money. Don't try asking for more or anything else; it will be a no," Naofumi said, extending a small bag of coins.
"As you wish," the merchant replied, taking the money and retrieving the egg box for him.
Naofumi chose the right egg, gathered the supplies needed to hatch it, and then quickly left with Raphtalia, moving at a brisk pace.
"So, Naofumi, what will be the quest?" asked Raphtalia, wagging her tail and holding the egg close.
"Clearing a mine of some monsters," Naofumi replied.
"Oh, okay. I hope it's easy," she said.
I'm sorry, little one, but this day will be tough until we can get Raph-chan, Naofumi thought to himself.
TINY TIME SKIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHIBI RAPHTALIA MUNCHING FOOD
The mines were a place too dangerous for most, a place to get rich for others, and for them, it held the best reminder of a most traumatic story. Everyone knew what it meant. The incident went... well, you could call it a success. It made Raphtalia grow more mature than when you first saw her in the anime, but still, she had to face one more heartbreaking moment. This time, not because she needed to grow, but to get Raph-chan.
Raph-chan, many of you know, is a tiny, cute little fluff of fluffiness. But don't be tricked by her appearance. She resembles Raphtalia in color but has a mix of Naofumi's darker side and Raphtalia's caring deeds.
Naofumi knew the only way to find her was by creating a shikigami. He had learned about this technique and decided it was time to put it to use.
After the mine incident, Naofumi and Raphtalia found themselves in a dense forest. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the sound of rustling leaves. Naofumi decided it was the perfect time to introduce Raphtalia to something special.
"Raphtalia, wait here for a moment. I need to prepare something," Naofumi said, his voice calm and reassuring.
"Okay, Master Naofumi," Raphtalia replied, trusting him completely.
Naofumi took out a small vial and a strand of Raphtalia's hair. "This will only take a moment," he said, pricking his finger and letting a drop of his blood mix with the hair. He began chanting softly, and the mixture started to glow.
In a flash of light, a small, raccoon-like creature appeared. It had a brown fluffy tail and proportions that made it look like a mascot. The creature looked up at Naofumi and Raphtalia with curious eyes.
"Meet Raph-chan," Naofumi said with a smile, recognizing the shikigami from the descriptions he had read about. He gently picked up Raph-chan and handed her to Raphtalia.
Raphtalia's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Oh, she's so cute! What's her name?"
"Raph-chan. She's a shikigami created from my blood and your hair. She'll be a great addition to our team," Naofumi said.
Raphtalia hugged the small creature, feeling an instant bond. "Welcome to the team, Raph-chan!"
That night, as they set up camp, Raph-chan quickly adapted to her new surroundings. She curled up next to Raphtalia, who was petting her gently.
"Naofumi-sama, Raph-chan is so sweet. Thank you for bringing her to us," Raphtalia said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Naofumi smiled, watching the two. "I'm glad you like her. She'll be a great help to us."
As they sat by the campfire, Naofumi felt a sense of peace. Despite the challenges ahead, having Raphtalia and Raph-chan by his side made everything feel a little easier.
TIME SKIP AGAIN BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHIBI RAPHTALIA AND RAPH-CHAN HUGGING
Once the city was in sight, something unpleasant could be seen at the entrance. Guess what? Yep, you're right, Bitch-sama was there, pissed and with Motoyasu and some guards.
"Well, we're not going to have a pleasant entry into the city or the castle. Oh, by the way, how's Filo?" Naofumi asked.
"Good. The egg is still far from hatching, but it's fine," Raphtalia replied.
"Well, brace yourself. It's going to be a long day," Naofumi said.
All you could hear were the sighs of the two and small noises from Raph-chan, who was poking her head out from Naofumi's armor at his neck.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Hi hi its WALUIGI jk anyways here is the second chapter, i decided to bring Raph-chan cus i mean the fluf why not right ? anyways tks for reading see you next time
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A New Chance To Restart
ActionNaofumi was sent back in time to the moment he was summoned again only knowing that someting had happened and he was now again at the beginning of his story with only him having the memories of the past and the training he had. A new beginning and a...
